Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

At Swish we are pleased to be part of the PrEP Impact Trial, we have now filled all places currently available for the trial. This page has been created to give you more information and links should you want to know more about PrEP.

What is PrEP

PrEP (HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine for HIV negative people, it is taken before sex, hence the term pre-exposure, prophylaxis means to prevent infection – in this case HIV. It can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when taken as prescribed.

PrEP is made up of two drugs, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine. These drugs are known as antiretroviral medicines and have been used as part of HIV treatment for many years. The brand name for the medication is Truvada, however there are generic forms of the drug with the same active ingredients.

Who would benefit from PrEP?

PrEP can benefit those who are HIV negative and considered to be at high risk of contracting HIV and don’t always use condoms. PrEP can be used as a way to reduce the risk of HIV .

Using some recreational drugs (crystal meth amphetamine, mephedrone or GHB/GBL) - also known as Chemsex

PrEP is not a vaccine and only provides protection from HIV so long as you continue to take it as prescribed. It is important to remember that PrEP will not protect you from acquiring other STIs. This is an important advantage of using condoms.

If you would like more information on using PrEP the following sites may be useful;